HUNTSVILLE, Ala., June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The region of Veneto, Italy will use Intergraph(R) technology to create a centralized spatial data infrastructure (SDI) database to improve access to spatial data across the region and to conform to standards such as INSPIRE (Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe).

The project will consolidate and standardize multiple databases into one SDI geographic database, harmonizing and securing geospatial data exchange between Venetian government entities, businesses and the public for improved collaboration and productivity and ease of maintenance and administration.

"Our new SDI will dramatically improve the way Veneto manages and leverages a wide variety of spatial data," said Maurizio De Gennaro, director of geographic database and cartography of the Veneto Regional Authority. "In such a geographically diverse region that includes mountains, plains and coast, the mapping of assets can be quite a challenge. The open architecture, flexibility and scalability of Intergraph technology will be critical to the success of this project."

"Combined with the geographic information system (GIS) services of Sinergis and SIGMA Distribuzione, Intergraph will create for Veneto an SDI that is capable of storing and managing mass quantities of data and metadata while enabling users across the region to search for, access, share and publish data through an easy-to-use Web portal," said Intergraph Italy Manager, Claudio Mingrino.

In addition to providing support for INSPIRE, Intergraph technology also provides support for local SDI directives such as CNIPA (Centro Nazionale per Informatica nella Pubblica Amministrazione) in Italy. Intergraph technology is built on an open architecture that leverages the power of Oracle's database capabilities, providing a robust and flexible foundation on which the region of Veneto will build its SDI. Intergraph and its partners in this project will also enable users to easily catalog and search for stored information, and will support the use of Web services for the simple publishing, dissemination and display of spatial data.

Many Italian organizations have turned to Intergraph for improved mapping and infrastructure management. For example, Rossi Rilievi Fotogrammetrici, one of Italy's most prominent aerial photogrammetry organizations, has recently purchased a second Intergraph Digital Mapping Camera (DMC(R)) to carry out its missions. Additionally, the City of Milan adopted Intergraph technology to integrate cartographic data from disparate systems and better serve the needs of its residents, local businesses and government organizations, while the Italian government is utilizing Intergraph GIS and commercial photogrammetry products to help manage infrastructure and safeguard the Venice lagoon from the rising tides of the Adriatic Sea.

About Veneto

Veneto is the eighth largest of the 20 regions in Italy, and is home to the capital city of Venice. Its population is roughly 4.8 million, and it is the most visited region of Italy. Veneto is also one of Italy's wealthiest and most industrialized areas. More information on the Veneto Regional Authority can be found at
www.regione.veneto.it.

About Intergraph

Intergraph is the leading global provider of engineering and geospatial software that enables customers to visualize complex data. Businesses and governments in more than 60 countries rely on Intergraph's industry-specific software to organize vast amounts of data into understandable visual representations and actionable intelligence. Intergraph's software and services empower customers to build and operate more efficient plants and ships, create intelligent maps, and protect critical infrastructure and millions of people around the world.

Intergraph operates through two divisions: Process, Power & Marine (PP&M) and Security, Government & Infrastructure (SG&I). Intergraph PP&M provides enterprise engineering software for the design, construction and operation of plants, ships and offshore facilities. Intergraph SG&I provides geospatially-powered solutions to the defense and intelligence, public safety and security, government, transportation, photogrammetry, utilities, and communications industries. For more information, visit
www.intergraph.com.

Intergraph and the Intergraph logo are registered trademarks of Intergraph Corp. or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries. Other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.